Product classification

HS code for Azelaic acid: 2917.13

Acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters.

Classification of azelaic acid under HS 2917.13

Azelaic acid is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 291713 due to its chemical structure and specific mention within the HS nomenclature. This code falls under Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2917 encompasses "Acyclic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives." Subheading 291713 precisely identifies "Azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters." Azelaic acid is an acyclic dicarboxylic acid, meaning it is an organic compound with two carboxyl functional groups and an open-chain structure. Its direct enumeration in the subheading ensures its classification here, distinguishing it from other organic acids.

Covers
  • Azelaic acid (technical grade, pharmaceutical grade)
  • Salts of azelaic acid (e.g., potassium azelate, sodium azelate)
  • Esters of azelaic acid (e.g., diethyl azelate)
  • Sebacic acid, its salts and esters (as specified in the same subheading)
Also under 2917.13
  • Croda Azelaic Acid
  • Arkema Sebacic Acid
  • Emery Oleochemicals Azelaic Acid
  • Elevance Renewable Sciences Sebacic Acid

Codes often confused with 2917.13

Common mistake. Azelaic acid can sometimes be confused with other organic acids. For instance, HS 2915 covers "Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives." This differs from 291713 because azelaic acid is a polycarboxylic (dicarboxylic) acid, not a monocarboxylic acid. Another potential area of confusion could be with HS 2918, which covers "Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives." However, azelaic acid's structure as a simple acyclic dicarboxylic acid without additional oxygen functions (like hydroxyl or keto groups) directs it specifically to 291713, where it is explicitly named.

29.15Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.18Acids; carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

Top exporters and importers of HS 291713 (the code used for azelaic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291713 (the code used for azelaic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 291713, not only azelaic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $187M
  2. 2 India $35M
  3. 3 Germany $29M

World total: $332M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $74M
  2. 2 Italy $43M
  3. 3 United States $42M

World total: $355M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for azelaic acid

Brazil splits HS 2917.13 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about azelaic acid

What is the HS code for Azelaic acid?

The HS code for Azelaic acid is 291713 (Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters). The HS code for Azelaic acid is 291713, which covers "Azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters."

How do I classify Azelaic acid for customs?

Azelaic acid is classified under HS code 291713 — Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the primary applications of Azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is primarily used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It is a common active ingredient in topical treatments for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Which countries are the top exporters of azelaic acid (HS 291713)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291713 (the code used for azelaic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($187M, 56% of world exports), India ($35M) and Germany ($29M). World exports came to about $332M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of azelaic acid (HS 291713)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291713 (the code used for azelaic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($74M, 21% of world imports), Italy ($43M) and the United States ($42M). World imports came to about $355M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Is the HS code for Azelaic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291713 for Azelaic acid is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for azelaic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291713 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for azelaic acid depends on the product's details: 2917.13.10 (Azelaic acid, its salts and esters), 2917.13.21 (Sebacic acid), 2917.13.22 (Dibutyl sebacate), 2917.13.23 (Dioctyl sebacate), 2917.13.29 (Other sebacic acid salts and esters).